mediadesignspring2023

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Having close-up examples of the work, Kea shot as well as describing what these photos mean to him is extremely touching. When he says “my work is made from lots of brief encounters“ I felt that resonate with me as someone who loves images. 

Telling stories of his past, and the story behind who he is today relating that back to what he has learned, applying it to his skills now is his own history that deserves to be heard and documented. We are all just trying to connect with humanity as a whole and part of that is through documentation. 

Getting to see him in action onset, and the role he plays as a photographer taking note of the story he is trying to portray, makes me think of a translator of sorts. How he himself is connected with his camera, specifically to never miss a beat while capturing moments 

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Test Posting

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Test Post

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This episode was not one that made me hungry, but also taught me a lot about street food in Taiwan, if not globally. The story I found most interesting was Grace's, with her transformation of being called "Fish Head" to proudly owning the name and preserving generations of her family's heritage. I think it speaks to a larger issue of globalisation and cultures being erased as society moves towards Western standards. We also see deeper into the negatives of working in the street food industry in relation to personal health, with walk in oven and it's harmful effects on the individuals preparing it. Overall, it was a really interesting watch and I hope to finish watching the remaining episodes.

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In Abstract: The Art of Design, we see Platon work behind the camera and learn more about his unique style of photography. As someone who is new to photography, it was very interesting to see his thought process behind the camera. I remember one scene in which he quickly takes a photo and decides in a split second that it is going to be in black and white, with emphasis on specific points of the photo. It was obvious that he was extremely certain in his style and had a specific vision he follows that almost comes naturally to him. It was also interesting to learn of his severe dyslexia, which has been a sort of key component in developing his photography style, as he utilises simplicity in his photos.

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I was not familiar with Nas or his history prior to this documentary, outside of him being revered as one of the most famous rappers of all time. It was interesting to see those who grew up in Queensbridge explaining what it felt like to be an individual living there, from his brother, to his teacher. I think while the film sheds light on Nas and his story, it also allows the viewers to see the environment and people that made him who he is. The piece was a mix of interviews, archival footage, and footage where we see what living in Queensbridge is really like.

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This documentary was one of my favourites from throughout the semester, although it was sad and a bit difficult to watch at times. I really enjoyed how it was filmed in black and white, as I think it allowed for more emotion to come through the screen. It was interesting to see the story of two different families play out, and leaves the viewer hoping they come together to help Cleo. It was extremely heart-warming to see the relationship between the family and Cleo, especially from the children. The shots I have chosen are the ones that I believe hold the most impact through the film. The first shot is the father returning home and him carefully pulling the car in, with the camera focus on the dog's feces, which we see as a recurring theme throughout the film and one of the primary reasons Cleo gets in trouble. We then see a series of unfortunate events from Cleo's drink spilling whilst toasting to the new year, to the fire. The last scene I chose is when Cleo saved the children from drowning, and confessed to how she felt about her unborn child, releasing some weight off her shoulders from the traumatic event. This was a very emotional film, and one that I really enjoyed and hope to watch again.

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This documentary was interesting because of how well they documented the interactions between two extremely different cultures and the hardships felt.

Though it started out light, with there being some language barriers, custom differences (like with the types of fish to keep) and even learning about Thanksgiving, it soon became darker and more apparent how life can be tough for immigrant workers.

The documentary started to show workplace injuries in the factory, injury complaints, and more and even showed how for some these injuries are catastrophic. Even though the injuries may not be life-threatening physically, they may be threatening to workers' way of life as they cannot earn the money they need to get by as (injuries don't pay the bills".

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The Naomi Osaka documentary was extremely powerful. First off, it showed the triumphs and successes of Naomi as she became the number 1 women's tennis player in the world.

It then showed how the stress and pressure of being the number 1 and having everyone chasing you can really break you to the point that you are scared and paranoid in your own home.

The documentary then showed her as the champ, returning to defend her title, but even through all of the intense action, you could feel her uneasiness in the shots and could tell she was nervous.

After she ultimately loses, the documentary shows her transition into an icon, and I think that the way in which the documentary captured her metamorphosis was incredible.

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1.This image from the movie ‘last emperor’ created an impression on me because as someone who’s interested in history, it explains a lot about how kings/rulers were treated. Lady Aisin-Gioro, the mother of Pu Yi, giving her son to Ar Mo in an effort to isolate Pi Yu in the forbidden city tells me that the ruler’s safety, no matter what there age was, was always an entire kingdom’s main priority; no matter what happens, the monarchy shall stand.

2. The picture above is of the now-grown Pi Yu attempting suicide after being captured by the red army after the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. The reason why I selected this picture is that it gives me an important lesson: wealth doesn't always resemble happiness. There are times when you could have everything the world has to offer, but not what matters the most- peace and happiness.

3.The frame above is of an advisor of Pi Yu who was explaining to him why his prime minister has abandoned his role while the king was on a state visit to Japan. This scene reminds me of the days of history class in high school when I learned about the communist revolution in China, that eventually overthrew the monarchy.

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1)Through the context of this image, the creators of the documentary are showing an emotional sense of relief that Fuyao, a Chinese-origin glass manufacturing company, was providing jobs for some of America’s unemployed. The driving seat of a car is often considered a place people reflect in; the man depicted in the picture, thus, was expressing appreciation of having a ‘job’ again.

2)This picture, illustrating Fuyao’s chairman in a concerned facial expression, tells us quite a bit about the cultural differences between America and China. The two countries are economically distinct, hence their take on workers' rights and unions vary tremendously. Fuyao was internally struggling due to the rise of unionist values among its employees, which was critical to the company's ideal.

3)This picture was portrayed with a motivating impression to workers, showing that they are destined to advocate for their rights by forming unions. This is an example of cultural tension, with the Chinese, known for over-working, at one side and the Americans at the other.

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1.

I captured this image of Naomi and Coco because it shows these two people's emotions. This match at the US Open 2019 was a highly anticipated event. Both players caught the attention of tennis fans worldwide with their impressive performances leading up to this match. After the match, people worldwide witnessed a heartwarming moment when Naomi Osaka, the defending champion, encouraged her opponent Coco Gauff after their match. Gauff, a 15-year-old rising star in tennis, had just lost to Osaka in straight sets. However, instead of celebrating her victory, Osaka approached Gauff and offered words of encouragement. Osaka's gesture was a display of sportsmanship and kindness that transcended the competitive nature of the sport. She acknowledged Gauff's talent and potential while recognizing the challenges of being a young athlete on such a big stage. Something that I loved during this was this act of kindness from Osaka It reminds us that sportsmanship is an integral part of any sport and that we should always strive to be gracious winners and losers.

2.This image captured my attention because it shows diversity in Noami’s life. As we know, she is also known for being half black and half Asian, which has sparked discussions about race and identity. During this plot, Noami stated that being biracial can be a complex experience as individuals often struggle to find their place in society. Naomi Osaka has spoken openly about her struggles with identity and how she feels like she doesn't fit into either category completely. She has faced criticism from both sides of her heritage, with some Japanese people questioning her Japanese identity and some black people questioning her blackness. Despite these challenges, Naomi Osaka has embraced both sides of her heritage and uses it as a source of strength. She proudly represents Japan on the tennis court while also advocating for social justice issues affecting the black community.

3.

In this picture, her fans are cheering her on even after losing. Naomi Osaka, the world's number one tennis player, suffered a shocking defeat against Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals of the 2019 US Open. The Japanese star had been considered a favorite to win the tournament, having won two Grand Slam titles earlier this year. However, she could not overcome Bencic's aggressive play and lost in straight sets. The match displayed Bencic's skill and determination as she outplayed Osaka with her powerful groundstrokes and effective serve. Despite Osaka's efforts to mount a comeback in the second set, Bencic remained composed and closed out the match with an impressive forehand winner. While it was disappointing for Osaka to lose at such an important tournament stage, her gracious post-match interview showed her maturity and sportsmanship. She acknowledged Bencic's performance and thanked her fans for their support.

4.After losing, Noami took a break from tennis and started to work on her physical and mental health. For that said, she started modeling, the 23-year-old athlete has been featured in numerous fashion campaigns and magazine covers, showcasing her stunning looks and impeccable style. Osaka's transition from a sports star to a fashion icon is not surprising given her natural beauty and effortless grace on the court. However, it is also a testament to her versatility and willingness to explore new opportunities beyond tennis. She became a role model for young girls around the world, Osaka's success in both sports and fashion sends a powerful message about the importance of pursuing one's passions and embracing all aspects of oneself. Moreover, Osaka's rise as a model also highlights the need for greater diversity in the fashion industry. As a woman of color with Japanese and Haitian heritage, she brings much-needed representation to an industry that has long been criticized for its lack of inclusivity.

5.

This picture captures how people are proud. Her success has brought pride to her country and garnered immense support from the people of Japan. The Japanese media have celebrated Osaka's achievements, with newspapers and television channels covering her matches extensively. The public has also shown their support for Osaka through social media platforms, where they share messages of encouragement and admiration

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1.

I choose this image because this image captures the skyline of New york city. And new york is the center of arts and diversity. The place where Kusuma felt that she will conquer, she felt safe.

When Yatoi Kusuma first arrived in New York, she promised herself that she would conquer New York. Kusama's use of polka dots is significant because it represents her ongoing struggle with mental illness. The repetition and pattern of the dots reflect her obsessive-compulsive tendencies, while the bright colors evoke a sense of joy and playfulness. The title "To Conquer b Nyc" suggests that Kusama sees herself as an outsider trying to make her mark on the city. This theme is further emphasized by the installation taking up an entire room, forcing viewers to confront it head-on.

2.

This is an old picture of Kusuma before she came to NYC. Her charcoal drawings scattered on the floor behind her. As we know she is one of the most famous artists existing till now. However, in the 1950s, her work was largely ignored by the art world. This can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Kusama's art was ahead of its time. Her use of polka dots and bright colors was considered too radical for the conservative tastes of the 1950s. Additionally, her work often dealt with themes such as sexuality and mental illness, which were taboo subjects at the time. Secondly, Kusama was a woman in a male-dominated field. The art world in the 1950s was largely dominated by men, and women artists were often overlooked or dismissed.

3.I choose this image because it shows that Kusuma can paint anywhere and anytime. She is well known for her polka dots patterns, Some argue that it is a reflection of her mental state, while others suggest that it is a way for her to express her individuality. Kusama's fascination with polka dots began in her childhood when she experienced hallucinations of the world being covered in dots. This experience became the foundation for her artistic expression, and she began incorporating polka dots into all aspects of her work.

4.

I really like this picture because of the repetition of red and white color. How the mirror behind her just makes the room larger and open.

It has been known that Yayoi Kusuma was the first artist to create a glass room in New York. In 1965, she created a glass room in New York City, which was the first of its kind. The installation was called "Endless Love Show," and it featured a small room covered entirely in mirrors with small colored lights hanging from the ceiling.The glass room was an immersive experience that allowed visitors to see themselves reflected infinitely in the mirrors. The colored lights added to the surreal atmosphere of the installation and created an otherworldly effect. Kusama's glass room was groundbreaking because it challenged traditional notions of art and exhibition spaces. It blurs the lines between art and reality by creating a beautiful and disorienting environment.